It's time for another tutorial! This tutorial is for a floating bead necklace, a very simple, versatile design that can be done in many different ways.
Materials needed:
14 silver crimp beads
1 silver clasp
1 silver dogtag
2 silver jumprings
12 Czech crystal rondelles in topaz ab
6 6mm Czech crystals in topaz ab
tiger tail
crimping tool
flat nosed pliers
round nosed pliers
wire cutters
Step 1:
Cut a 20" piece (or 4" longer than your desired necklace length) of tiger tail with your wire cutters. String one end of the tiger tail through a crimp bead, then through a jumpring, then back through the crimp bead. Use your crimping tool to close the crimp. Trim the excess wire with your wire cutters.
Step 2:
String another crimp about 1/2" from the end and close with the crimping tool. String one rondelle, one round crystal and another rondelle onto the tiger tail. String another crimp and close with the crimping tool.
Step 3:
Repeat step 2 with your remaining beads, placing each set about 1" apart from each other.
Step 4:
String the last crimp bead onto the tiger tail, through the last jumpring, and then back through the crimp bead. Make sure this side matches the first both in the distance from the beads and in the size of loop around the jumpring. Close the crimp bead. Trim the extra tiger tail.
Step 5:
With your round nosed pliers and flat nosed pliers, open one jumpring and attach the clasp. Close the jumpring securely.
Step 6:
With your pliers, open the other jumpring and attach the dogtag.
And you're done!
Alternatively, you can also use clamshells instead of crimp beads to finish the ends.
This design is quick, easy and can use whatever materials strike your fancy. Use pearls, semiprecious stones, wood, or even seed beads. You can also add strands by using a multistrand endbar.
So, enjoy! I'd love to see any jewelry you make using this tutorial! Please send pictures to the email address on my about page.









